Expert Claims Maradona May Have Died From COVID-19 in Trial Testimony
In the trial over Diego Maradona's death, defense forensic expert Pablo Ferrari testified that the football legend may have died rapidly from COVID-19 and disputed claims of prolonged suffering.
An unexpected development has emerged in the trial concerning the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona. Testifying as the final defense witness, forensic expert Pablo Ferrari claimed that it is impossible to rule out the possibility that the iconic star died from COVID-19, while also disputing allegations that he endured a prolonged agonizing death.
Trial Developments and Medical Testimony
Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, while recovering at home following neurosurgical intervention. Seven medical professionals are currently on trial facing charges of negligence leading to his death during home hospitalization. Reviewing the autopsy data and Maradona's medical history, Ferrari argued that death came swiftly.
"The dying process lasted from a few minutes to a few hours, a very short period. I cannot academically claim there were long hours of agony. It was sudden," Ferrari told the court in San Isidro.
According to the expert, Maradona suffered from cardiac arrhythmia and acute pulmonary edema, which suffocated him. Ferrari noted that if the patient had struggled for breath over several hours, clear physical signs would have been present in his body.
COVID-19 Hypothesis Raised
Ferrari also raised an alternative hypothesis that was not examined in real-time, stating that failing to perform a post-mortem COVID-19 test on Maradona was a "methodological mistake." He recalled that the death occurred at the height of the global pandemic.
"The coronavirus enters through the respiratory system and could have been extremely violent, killing the patient within a few hours," Ferrari explained, adding that review of previous medical tests showed no critical kidney or urgent heart issues.
Ferrari's testimony concluded the defense's presentation of evidence. Final statements from the defendants and closing arguments from both prosecution and defense are expected next.
